SINGAPORE: Residents have come together to set up a memorial for “King Kong”, a beloved community cat in Yishun who was allegedly tortured and killed in a brutal act that has shocked the neighbourhood and animal lovers across Singapore.
In a May 12 Facebook post on the Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats page, user Janet Chin shared photos of a memorial corner dedicated to King Kong at Block 511A, Yishun Street 51.
Chin said she met up with King Kong’s dedicated feeders to help arrange the tribute.
Bouquets of flowers, gifts of cat food and treats, and a framed photograph of King Kong were placed at the site.
Chin added that flowers initially laid beneath trees were moved to the void deck to form part of the memorial.
Residents and members of the public who wish to pay their respects can do so within the coming week, after which the memorial will be cleared.
King Kong Found Dead on 9 May
King Kong, a well-known feline at the Oleander Breeze @ Yishun housing estate, was discovered dead in the early hours of Friday, 9 May 2025.
According to reports, the cat’s eyes had been gouged out and its body severely mutilated, with internal organs dismembered.
The brutality of the act has sparked outrage within the community and among animal welfare groups.
A member of the Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats Facebook group, which advocates for the welfare of community cats, shared details of the incident and expressed disbelief and sorrow over the killing.
One of King Kong’s regular feeders also voiced their devastation on social media, urging anyone with information to come forward.
They described the cat as gentle and beloved by many, making the act of violence all the more incomprehensible.
Minister Shanmugam Condemns ‘Shocking Cruelty’
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, who is also a Member of Parliament for Yishun GRC, strongly condemned the act in a Facebook post.
Calling it an instance of “shocking cruelty”, he wrote, “What kind of person would do something like this? This is not how humans should behave.”
His post drew hundreds of comments from concerned citizens, many expressing horror and calling for harsher penalties against animal cruelty.
NParks Investigating, Urges Public to Help
The National Parks Board (NParks) has confirmed it received feedback about the dead cat at Yishun Street 51 and has launched an investigation.
In a statement, NParks said it takes all reports of animal cruelty seriously.
“Members of the public can play a part by promptly reporting suspected cases of animal cruelty to NParks or providing potential evidence via our website or the Animal Response Centre hotline at 1800-476-1600,” the agency stated.
“Photographic or video evidence submitted by the public will be helpful in the investigation.”
Under the Animals and Birds Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty may face a fine of up to S$15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 18 months.
In more severe cases involving death or significant harm, heavier penalties may apply depending on the intent and circumstances.
As the Yishun community mourns King Kong, calls for justice continue to grow, with many hoping the perpetrator will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.
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